Chip Shop - Friterie la Barrière

The chip shop at the Barrière de Saint-Gilles has been going for more than 30 years, but the history of chips in Brussels is much older than that.

Already in the 18th century, travellers stopped at the Barrière in Saint-Gilles, a crossroads where the main streets of Brussels (chaussée de Bruxelles, chausée de Waterloo and chausée d'Alsemberg) converged, and therefore a strategic point.

Tourists, locals, passers-by, pilgrims... everyone would stop and pay a coin for a cone of chips.

It's really nice there and everyone is welcome. The "Bon appetit", "Smakelijke eten" and "Enjoy your meal" messages printed in 10 different languages on the back of the cones says a lot about the place (and the city). It's just another way for Nikos and his team to welcome every customer in this truly multicultural neighbourhood.

For most chip shops, staying open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays is in itself a feat. The "Barrière" stays open until 5.30am! And on weekends until 7am.

Want to know more about chip shops? Go to Top49 Fritkos Bruxelles and download the app to get full texts, photos, location of best shops and a fried chips glossary.

The app also tells you when chip shops are open. Just what you need for your night-time snacks!